Rick on Public TV: 2009
Share your comments on Rick Steves' Europe TV shows with other travelers and with Rick here. Thanks.
Airtimes Across the USA: Find out when Rick appears on TV in your area.
Great Show
Rick,
excellent series, look forward to more shows available on line. The island of Sardinia would be a great stop for your show.
Thanks again, in doing your show you incrementally begin to bridge some of the national differences. Although we are all different, your travels highlights much of what we share.
Marty
Brighton, MI USA Mon 12/21/2009
Islands
Majorca, Malta, the other Mediterranean islands. Madeira & the Canary Islands are Portuguese & Spanish. The Channel islands, the isle of Man and the Scottish islands. All wonderful locations to film. They would add variety to the shows.
Herb Sutton
Sun City West, AZ United States Sat 12/19/2009
I wrote the previous post. When the Blu-Rays are released they should be a joy to watch. However my comments were censored (edited?) One of the beautiful new programs is about Poland. Lots about the Nazis, but not a word about the eager Polish support and cooperation in the rounding up of Jews -something observed nowhere else.
New York City, USA Thu 12/17/2009
Rick Steves' new series of programs is in HD and it is hard to overstate the quality and power of the images. As good as HD gets. Beautifully photographed and lit they are a joy to watch and almost make you think you are there.
The narration is the usual Steves' stuff, at once silly and propogandistic, but the pictures are the thing.
I'd wait to buy DVDs because when Blu-rays are available they will have even better picture quality (1080p vs. 1080i) than broadcast.
New York City, USA Sun 12/13/2009
Malta
When are you going to Malta?
Ellen Farrugia
Delta, bc Canada Wed 12/09/2009
Interview with Daniel Roth
I want to know if you were planning a program in interviewing Daniel Roth, the pipe organist in San Sulpice in Paris,Franc, I love pipe organ music.
Thank you.
Tony Garcia Jr.
Pasadena, TX USA Wed 12/02/2009
I can confirm that Season 6 is in the works. While no dates are firm, it will most likely be released in the latter half of next year.
A pre-release of our new Croatia episode will be available in March as part of a PBS pledge special. Further announcements about this and Season 6 will be made in the "Rick on TV" section of our website.
Webmaster
Edmonds, WA USA Wed 11/18/2009
Season 6?
Can anyone tell me if there is going to be a 6th season of Rick Steve's Europe on PBS, and if so, how soon it will be airing? My wife and I love the series.
Allan Vogel
Olympia, WA USA Fri 11/06/2009
Meeting Rick
Yesterday we met Rick Steves on the streets of San Francisco, and he is as kind and gracious as he appears on tv. When cousins asked how my husband recognized him he replied that we've read his books through 3 countries and watch him every chance we get. He's like our friend. We were thrilled, and I've got a great pix to prove it! Thanks, Rick. Lori Schoolland
Lori Schoolland
Ripon, CA USA Wed 10/28/2009
Traveling alone as a senior
I am 67 year old woman who enjoys traveling alone. I just came back from the Baltic States. I took all of your recommmendations in your books and on the TV with me. I traveled light. one suitcase.I had to carry it so I made sure it was light. And I tour out pages from your book for the cities I was visiting. I trained to Stockholm from Copenhagen and had a wonderful 5 hours on the train with a Swiss young lady, a guy from Sweden about 35 and a man from Sweden about mid 60's. We had a separate capartment, all glass enclosed that we could talk and talk and we did for 5 hours. I planeed to Helsinki, to sav e time and I ferried to
Tallin. What a wonderful experience. I met a lot of people along the way. because I treveld on regular buses and trams. The people were so helpful.. Thanks Rick for all of your tips.
RHODA PASKIN
PHILDELPHIA, PA USA Fri 09/25/2009
Excessivly loud background music
Please Please, Please discontinue the horrible over loud background music on your TV travels in Europe shows. The so called background music sound blasts your narration off the planet!!
We have bought your travel guides and watched your TV productions for two decades now and would like to continue to do so. You can help by squashing that unnecessary background music.
Thanks
Lute Lovely
Orono, Me USA Mon 09/07/2009
on-chair traveller
I am handicapped and will no doubt never leave the Midwest again, but I travel as much as possible with Rick's show. I find these programs very informative and entertaining. Just wanted to say thanks for the opportunity to see so much more of the world!
Deb Horner
Des Moines, Iowa USA Thu 08/27/2009
travel
really enjoy your shows. Can't travel because of cost but your shows allow me to see things I never would. Thanks so much.
herm gorenflo
grosse pointe farms, mi USA Wed 08/19/2009
Iran
Rick, Your excellent journal recounting your visit to Iran has just aired here in Scottsdale. My son-in-law's Mom was a well-known English artist who traveled throughout the Middle East and Southeast Asia in the 1950s and 60s. She made sketches while on her journeys and turned them into water colors when she arrived home. I have two lovely paintings of the mosques in Esfahan on the wall in my study. Please let us know when your Iran Tour will be leaving. 8/16/09
Evelyn
Scottsdale, AZ USA Sun 08/16/2009
Your book made easy my trip!
Hi Rick, my name is Victor I live in Florida, I follow you because a really enjoy your shows. I am reading my second book from you. The first was Italy 2006 I just can tell you! your book made my trip easy. Now I am reading Spain 2009, because a have plans to take a family trip to Spain May 2010. I want to let you know, your books works wonderful, and I tell every body read de book first to feel the conection with the country we want to visit.
Victor
Fort Lauderdale, FL USA Fri 07/31/2009
Reifenstein Castle
The Reifenstien Castle in Sterzing, Italy is closed for the remainder of 2009 due to road construction. This castle was featured by Rick on his TV show. We drove from Innsbruck to find a type written 8x11 sheet at the foot of the castle saying they were closed. Too bad.
Terry Callahan
Crystal Beach , FL USA Wed 07/08/2009
Vasto Chieti (Abruzzi Region)
I have watched all your episodes waiting to see you tour the beautiful citta of Vasto Chieti in the Abruzzi Region..
Annette Garabedian
Sudbury, Ma USA Tue 06/23/2009
Program
Rick,
I love your program!!! I just finished watching Greece & Iran. Any plans to visit Armenia?
Lucy V.
Lucy Varjabetyan
Encino, CA USA Fri 05/29/2009
art
I am 77 yrs of age...unable to walk extensively now and enjoy sitting and have you take me everywhere...one request is....would appreciate only ART...like ART of italy, germany, austria, spain, france, etc. give it a try
marcella piscola
white plains, ny USA Sat 05/16/2009
Hi from Brazil
Rick in my last travel to USA I watch you on PBS, unfortunately I can't watch you here in Brazil, but is amazing how wonderful your programs are! congratulations and i hope you make a travel and program here in Brazil.
Michael Arsenian
São Paulo, sp USA Thu 05/14/2009
Your book
Dear Rick,
I am reading your 2009 book on Rome as I am leaving for Italy in the first week of May. I have planned my 3 days in Rome very well mainly because you have provided such thorough and detailed information. I like the way you have provided the time duration for each site- this allows travellers to really plan their day. Excellent job on the book.
I am so scared of the pikcpocket! Help!
Pramila Rao
Centerville, VA USA Sat 04/18/2009
Rick's category mistakes
While I like Rick's proclivity toward history, I find his tendency to equate the US and the various states in Europe to be offensive. For instance, in his episode on the castles on the Rhine, he equates what he presumes the Alamo means throughout America to what the confluence of two rivers in the Rhine area means to Germans. I, as native Illinoisian, do not have much feeling for the Alamo either way--I identify it with Texas and so it doesn't inform my cultural or political identity. Rick should have likened the Alamo in TEXAS (i.e. to Texans) to what the confluence of the rivers in Germany means to Germans. Germany is the size of Montana (smaller than Texas!) and is a state of the EU, just as Montana and Texas are states of the US. To equate Germany's internals to a entire Union of other states is, in my view, a category mistake. Put in historical terms, it is conflating a kingdom (e.g. greater Prussia) with an empire (e.g. the US). Relatedly, Rick called the tiny principalities of the Holy Roman Empire 'states', but such a usage is misleading because of what 'state' means today in the US and EU. NY, California, VA, or Penn is hardly equivalent to a county (count) or duchy (duke) of the HRE. German lander today are equivalent to what we take as regions of states (e.g. between 'county' and 'state')--clusters of counties (try overlaying Germany on Montana). In fact, "Land" auf Deutsch does not translate as "State" (Staat); rather, "Land" means district or region (or land in the sense of territory--hence I think region is best). To call the Lander 'states' is misleading in a compartive sense. As in France and Ireland, our respective states' regions do not have governments. I, for instance, come from Northern Illinois. It is a "Land" of Illinois.
Rick might be interested to know that the US was referred to as an empire in the eighteenth century when it had just thirteen republics--the states formed from provinces (in the Roman sense, meaning like countries in an empire) being viewed as equiv in scale to the European states that formed them. See, for example, Bancroft's Histories. Men including Jefferson and John Adams made use of the term in referring to the Union.
It is important, finally, to remember that there are not always apt comparisons. I'm sure there are things in Germany that have no equivalent in Illinois, for instance. To grasp then at apples and oranges is worse than finding another comparison. I'm sure the state identities in Europe are stronger than those on this side of the Atlantic, though this does not nullify the equivalence in scale or in polity. Rick would be well-served (or at least I wouldn't turn the channel like this morning! lol) to think of the EU and US as on the same scale and discuss the states accordingly.
This caveat aside, I like Rick's emphasis on religious and political history. Rick--although I don't know you, I suspect that I would enjoy sitting down and chatting with you about European History. I get the sense that you want to learn more--in the best sense of learning: exploration. Gute Reise! Bon Voyage!
Dr. Skip Worden
Madison, Wiscon USA Mon 03/30/2009
Better foreign relations
Rick. Admired your interview in Salon.
My wife and I travel for months at a time, your style. I am amazed at the misconceptions foreign citizens have about what ordinary Americans are like. I tell young people in other countries to get into chat rooms and ask questions and tell people what their lives are like. Have you thought of ways we can use the internet to increase awareness and understanding with foreign cultures? We still correspond with Rurkish and Egyptian and Sout American college kids we have met.
I wish we had used the Iraq war costs to give $10,000 to each of 40 million americans to go travel instead.
Pat
San Pedro, Califo USA Mon 03/23/2009
Iran show
I just saw your show on Iran and loved it, what a terrific Good Will Ambassador you are for us. I agree that we need to reach out people to people, less government to government. What a historical and culturally rich country. Thank you for connecting with the Iranian people.
Teri S
Wenatchee, Wash USA Sun 03/15/2009
more of Portugal, please...
I am Portuguese living in Canada and I would like to see more of Portugal in your books and TV programs. There are one day tours starting in Lisbon that give you more than beaches: look for Tomar (Templar's) and Coimbra, as well as the Roman ruins of Conimbriga; and going to Nazare you can stop at Obidos, Batalha and Alcobaca, all in one day. (I was a tour guide for over 20 years and extensive world traveler)
Maria Ingwall (portuguese in Canada)
Lewiston, N.Y. USA Sat 03/07/2009
Sorrento
Hi Rick, I must tell you that we found the Taxi Cab #17 in Sorrento. He was so proud to display your book. We used him on several locations. He even took us to the Naples train Station and escorted us in.
Mary
White Plains, Ny USA Mon 03/02/2009
Apreciation Of Your Shows
Rick,
I am a great admirer of all of your shows. I stay in Idaho, but as much as I enjoy your show; I make it all of my effort to do my best to remain awake long enough to watch your very informative shows, as much as I possiblly can. I know both real talent and also admire the effort your crew goes through to be able to broadcast your shows. I really believe that if there is a person alive and able to see your production's that you have made, if they weren't blown away when they have the privaledge with all the spectular scenery that they will see.something is really wrong. I know I truly care. Your unique and informative shows would make anyone apreciate the wonderful and magnificent sites throughout Europe. If not they truly must not enjoy both beauty and the wonderful history that Europe has to offer.
Please keep up the magnificent work that you have been doing, It sure keeps my attention; as well as it should others !
Truly Greatful,Your friend David at:
maryarnold@clearwire,net
Norman D. Jones
Nampa, Idaho USA Sat 02/07/2009
Iran program
Your hour-long program on Iran aired in the Twin Cities this week. Thank you for your sensitive coverage of a country we know little about on the inside. You are such a good ambassador for Americans and teach us so much in an enjoyable way.
Jean Pierre
Minnetonka, MN USA Thu 01/29/2009
Iran
Rick, I just saw your program about Iran and I really enjoyed it. I've been to Iran twice and I particularly loved your depiction of Esfahan. You showed it in it's best light - thanks.
I loved my in-laws in Iran - they treat me like a queen and I have so much fun. I speak conversational Farsi, cook the food, have studied Islam though I don't practice it now, and get along with the family famously.
I even met some British tourists on my last flight back from Iran. I asked them why they would come to Iran for vacation - they said it was a cultural tour and they loved the food!
Thanks again for exploring the country with the intent of helping us overcome our "governmental" differences.
Valerie Iravani
San Marcos, CA USA Thu 01/29/2009
Bergamo, Italy
We so enjoy travelling with you,Rick, whether by TV or with your guidebook under our arm when we strike out on our own. Strongly recommend you include a visit to the city of Bergamo when in northern Italy. Great place for a day/night when travelling between Lake Como and Milan. It includes a wonderful old walled city (citta alta) reached by funicular, which is just the size for an afternoon of walking, sightseeing, and finishing up with wonderful food overlooking the lights of the city below. Good hotels, English speaking guides. Very popular with European tourists driving down from Switzerland.
Carol A. Meyer
dublin, oh USA Wed 01/28/2009
Iran
Rick, kudos to you & your crew for doing such a great job on the Iran show. My husband & I lived in Iran while he worked there for Bell Helicopters back in 1978 & 1979 before the fall of the Shah. We had a chance to travel & see much of the same things you showed during your presentation. Your show brought back many happy memories. I will have to agree with your blogger who says you portrayed the Shah as a dictator. The Shah did bring welcome reform to an oppressed nation. And, one thing you did miss showing was the beautiful mountain ski area just north of Tehran. It is truly a beautiful country.
Janet Schippers
Stockton, CA USA Wed 01/28/2009
Iran Show!
I just saw the show on Iran! Fantastic! We in the US know so little about this country. Your program is a first step to World Peace. By understanding each other, we can begin a dialogue that will bring us closer together. Travel is a great step in understanding the world. Thank you for your show and insights.
Matt
Atlanta, GA USA Tue 01/27/2009
Iran
Thank you! What a wonderful show on Iran. Now I want to go - Morocco may have to wait...
Bill Emery
Wilmington, NC USA Sat 01/24/2009
THank you
I have just viewed Making your show.Yes, it is beautiful that you and your people can bring the sites and history and art to one who loved to travel but can't anymore. I had to weep a little because I appreciate you so much. Thanks to all of you.
Terry Jones
Highland, Utah USA Sat 01/24/2009
Iran
Rick and his crew did a great job with the show on Iran. You gave just enough history to put the present in perspective. As you have said, you're a travel journalist, not a politician. Any effort to put a human face on those who are different than us is much needed.
Lastly, the high def looked great on our 8 foot screen! Will all your programs be HD from now on?
Doug
Juliette, GA USA Fri 01/23/2009
Iran
Rick Steves' Iran -- a terrific insight into a culture that is not well understood. If you watched it definitely go to Rick's Iran Journal and read his comments. Together they are wonderful, eye-opening resources, of the kind that should be on everyone's "must see/read" list. Demystifying cultures that we are not familiar with is a great way of trying to make the world a better place for all.
Jim L.
MA USA Wed 01/21/2009
Your travel programs
Hello from Maple Ridge, B.C.
Mr. Steves.... you are just incredible!!
I'm a 74 yr. old gal who watches your program constantly. I have just loved every program I've seen .. but IRAN !!! Well, that was just so fabulous last nite, I hated to see the program end. Not that my opinion is worth all that much -- but I believe that you have 'opened' the door... and the eyes of many 'thousands/millions of people. I was just in tears watching the program, and in my humble opinion, this is the very first DOOR that has been opened to Iran. Every program that you do is just great -- but for this one
on, and in Iran -- well my words are just not adequate. You are such a 'special' person, and this ole gal sends my warmest wishes and appreciation to you.
Ms. Arlene Campbell
Maple Ridge, B.C. Canada Wed 01/21/2009
Travels to Iran
Travels to Iran
My husband and I were captivated as you traveled through Iran. You were a gracious and respectful guest and gave us wonderful insight.It shows as a beautiful country and invaluable history lessons we never learned in school. The people are friendly and welcoming. When is your first tour scheduled? Sign us up! Thank you so much for an exciting adventure.
Nancy Poetes
Port Angeles, WA USA Wed 01/21/2009
Inspired
Rick, thank you so much. To watch all the natural beauty, fantastic architecture and your warm and curious interactions with the Iranian people all unfold in front of me in my living room while I worked at swallowing the persistent lump in my throat, what a wonderful gift you gave me with this show.
No use swallowing though - the lump finally became tears at the sight of the enduring tombs carved in mountains, still intact. A striking contrast to the horrendous loss of cultural icons we have witnessed in this part of the world. And the devastating loss of their precious loved ones that peoples in this part of the world have endured over and over again within even my short half century on the planet. Yet they remain hopeful.
Your humble and respectful way of discovering simple truths which turn "fear into its opposite, understanding," as you explained, serves as an inspiring example for me. May I learn so I may also teach. Again, thank you. Blessings to you.
Kathy
Long Beach, CA USA Wed 01/21/2009
Iran Show
My husband and I watch RS every Sunday on OPB. I've been waiting for the Iran show after reading the blog. My expectations were exceeded and I want everyone in the world to see this show. It validates how our media distorts the truth. I have an internet page and posted a note about the show, wanting everyone to make an effort to see it. I'm also going to order the show on DVD so I can share it with anyone who wants to watch it. I believe it's critical everyone, not just Americans, have an understanding of life in Iran.
Holly
Salem, OR USA Tue 01/20/2009
Iran
Dear Steve
Your show on Iran was marvelous--so great to see a people-to-people unbiased, unemotional show about the country. Gave me a great new perspective on what Iranian people are really like.
Keep up the good work.
Rose Silva King
Rose
Modesto, CA USA Sun 01/18/2009
Showing the reality of world affairs
Great Reporting!
Based on your Iran show, I believe you would be the best choice for the next Secretary of State.
Ralph Garrity
Milwaukee, WI USA Sun 01/18/2009
Iraq - then and now
One of the things we should all see, is Iraq before the first Iraq war and Iraq now. This would be a view of Iraq from the Iraqi point of view. I see no mention of Iraq in any of the index - perhaps it has been censored off the airwaves?
Neil Eft
Alliance, OH USA Sat 01/17/2009
Iraq - then and now
One of the things we should all see, is Iraq before the first Iraq war and Iraq now. A view of Iraq that we may never see again. I see no mention of Iraq in any of the index - perhaps it has been censored off the airwaves?
Neil Eft
Alliance, OH USA Sat 01/17/2009
Thank you for Iran show
I just want to say thank you for your program on Iran and its people...I believe war is not the answer and we must see each other as people, fellow humans, with the same wants for health and happiness. With the faces you brought us, may this stop any thoughts of bombing, we must move beyond war-like thinking. Thank you for your insight and your courage. Peace to us all.
andrea beardsley
eugene, oregon USA Sat 01/17/2009
Iranian Tour
Rick,
Thank you for such a beautiful look at the people and places of Iran. The show captivated me and my family. We love how you showed the richness of the persian culture and the sophistication of the modern people.
Your comparisons of Iran with Europe and America were right on target. Anyone who travels with an open mind understands that we share so much more with each other than we don't. I'm ready to visit Iran!
Open-Minded Traveler
Chicago, IL USA Fri 01/16/2009
No respect
While I generally think your comments and the way you travel is hokey, at least I had some respect for your way of middle-America-ness. But when I heard you tell the story about how you went all through Iran, giving the thumbs up to people, which is the equivalent of giving the finger to people here, I lost all respect for you! You would think that a seasoned traveler would do some research, at least a minimum of it, before going to a foreign country and offending everyone in his path. I am mortified by you, the quintessential ugly American.
Nancy
San Francisco, CA USA Fri 01/16/2009
Iran Program
I felt you portrayed a very one sided view of Iran under the Shah. You made him out to be quite the dictator, yet never mentioned how much he did to raise the literacy levels, modernize the country, protect Iranians from Iraq and Soviet invasion as in Afghanistan, women's suffrage, freedom of religion, etc, etc. A bit of balance would have been nice. It would have been nice to see some of the resort areas whether skiing or visiting the Caspian Sea!
Denis Zayia
Chicago, Il USA Fri 01/16/2009
Iran episode
Thanks for the Iran show! It was really fantastic and just encouraged me to renew my membership with my local public television station. Love the Europe shows but would LOVE to see more specials like the Iran episode.
Michael
Chicago, IL USA Thu 01/15/2009
Program on Iran
Thank You, Rick. Your travels through Iran help us realize how much we have in common with the people of Iran.... family values, friendships and smiles for fellow man. Our government and media create unreal images of a foreign land to fear. You are a treasured diplomat for peace.
M.& C. Glover
Fallbrook, CA USA Wed 01/14/2009
program on Iran
your program on Iran was phantastic. I was so surprised about the friendliness of the people, their open faces and their favorable attitude towards us. They did not appear oppressed at all. Keep up the great job.
Rosemarie
Lakeland, FL USA Tue 01/13/2009
Middle East
I watch Rick on PBS whenever he's there. Because of today's news, I'm wondering if Rick has ever toured Palestine, wondering why it isn't listed in the Atlas, but does appear on maps of the area. If you went to Palestine, Rick, what was it like and where did you go? I'd appreciate anything you can tell us.
Cathryn Baillie
Issaquah, WA USA Mon 01/12/2009